May 09 BSN grad, honors, passed the boards, excellent references, ACLS, BLS, etc . . .
It is nearly impossible for a new grad to get a job in Philly or Jersey or anywhere within 1.5 hours from here (unless you are an internal candidate or a nurse extern). This market is saturated. I have tried hospitals, non-hospitals, part time, even volunteering - it's saturated.
DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO WAIT IT OUT?
OR RELOCATE? Relocation means leaving my sig other and his kids - very difficult. But I think I could get a job in Philly as soon as I have "at least one year experience" (so it would mean moving away for about a year).
OR JOIN THE MILITARY?
Serriously, there are a lot of us hoping things will change in this job market, hoping we will get a job eventually. But I don't want to wait around 6 more months only to discover I will have to relocate anyway. And I don't want to waste my education and skills sitting here. But relocation would be difficult and a big personal life sacrifice. Is it worth it? Is it necessary?
Specializes in He who hesitates is probably right....
That's the million dollar question, and everyone is trying to answer it. I personally would recommend going back to school. MSN, MPH, Clinical Nurse Leader ... something. It should reset the clock once you graduate (again), and hopefully things will have recovered by then.
If things don't recover, you are another 30-40K in debt and still have no experience. I have co-workers with MSNs wiping butts right next to me every shift. One just graduated from a CRNA program and can't find a position. In Pennsylvania that is.
Hello just an update I found a homecare RN position! And later that day, a hospital called . . .(first no jobs, now I have to choose!) I think the Philly market is opening up a little tiny bit, by no means a good job market, but you may find a job here and there - thanks for all your replies!
I was in Sewickley, Pittsburgh for the past three days, now I am back in Ontario, Canada. My father lives in Pittsburgh. I noticed an ad for RN's needed for one of the hospitals. I can't recall the name of the hospital but it was in the Pittsburgh Post (todays's edition).
Hey I am a 2 year nurse and I work at a big hospital about 2 hours from Philly. Geisinger Medical Center, in Danville PA. We are still hiring new grads, and you might not want to leave once you start working here! :) It is a great company to work for, you get lots of great experience. In your situation, not wanting to be too far from your homeland, this might be of interest to you. I realize that two hours is still a bit of a commute, but if you coordinate a schedule right, you would only have to be away 3 days a week.
Just a suggestion if you're still looking for a some acute care experience...Try the the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. A lot of new grads from Philly/NJ have moved here to get their year or two of experience. Only a two hour drive from Philly and apartments are cheap. Just something to consider. :)
Just a suggestion if you're still looking for a some acute care experience...Try the the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. A lot of new grads from Philly/NJ have moved here to get their year or two of experience. Only a two hour drive from Philly and apartments are cheap. Just something to consider. :)
Interesting! Which hospitals in that area are hiring new grads?
I've read through this entire thread and agree that most of the jobs are not posted. Employers spend $500-$1000 per posting, only to get dismal results. Temp/Perm agencies are no better, b/c they just want seat warmers, not necessarily what is really needed for the job. If any nurse here is interested in an office (non-physician) environment and desires a later career in pharmaceuticals, biotech, etc - please contact me. I know several direct employers that are looking currently in and around the King of Prussia, PA area. Even if you temp for 6 months, or are placed on a "backup" list - once the work comes in, you may enjoy it enough to make a career of it. Email me: [email protected]
But I think I could get a job in Philly as soon as I have "at least one year experience" (so it would mean moving away for about a year). 
K98
453 Posts
If things don't recover, you are another 30-40K in debt and still have no experience. I have co-workers with MSNs wiping butts right next to me every shift. One just graduated from a CRNA program and can't find a position. In Pennsylvania that is.